Chelsea are allegedly open-minded to cashing in on one of their injury-hit defenders during the summer transfer window.
A number of players have recently returned to Enzo Maresca's squad to help the Blues sit in fifth place in the Premier League table, albeit with other teams having games in hand.
However, there have been several occasions this campaign when Maresca has had to cope without key defenders courtesy of several injury issues, both short and long term.
Reece James, Malo Gusto and Wesley Fofana all fall into that bracket, none of the trio having made more than 19 starts in the Premier League this season.
According to Foot Mercato, Chelsea are contemplating whether to part ways with the latter of those players.
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Fofana to return home?
The report alleges that Chelsea officials have 'opened the door' to Fofana leaving Stamford Bridge this summer, whether that be on a permanent or temporary basis.
After missing the entirety of 2023-24 with a serious knee injury, the 24-year-old has returned to make a total of 14 starts in the Premier League this campaign.
Up until December, the France international's fitness had seemingly been handled perfectly, but he has since sustained two significant hamstring injuries, the second requiring surgery and ruling him out for the season.
Marseille - the city where Fofana was born - are said to be monitoring how Chelsea may handle his next move when just 31 starts and three substitute outings have been made since his £70m move from Leicester City in August 2022.
As per the report, the Ligue 1 giants want to make Fofana 'the pillar' of their defence next season and hope that Chelsea will see the benefits of a season-long loan.
With over four years remaining on Fofana's contract, Chelsea do not necessarily have to rush into selling him at this stage, particularly when they will not be able to make a profit from an amortisation standpoint.
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What may Maresca's stance be?
Having wasted no time in using Fofana this season, it is clear that Maresca views him as a first-choice pick in his backline when deemed 100% fit.
On the flip side, there will be frustration that he has not been able to use Fofana more often, particularly when the versatile defender was not being considered for any of the cup competitions.
At a time when Chelsea are being linked with alternative centre-backs, there is logic to allowing Fofana to go elsewhere for a season, and signing for Marseille would make a lot of sense.
That said, the report adds that Champions League football will need to be achieve for a deal to be facilitated.
Darren Plant
